Mike Smith to lead American Heart Association Richmond 2024 Hard Hats with Heart Campaign
[RICHMOND, VA] June 11, 2024 – Mike Smith, Vice President with HITT Contracting, will work with the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, to improve health outcomes in the construction industry through the Association’s Hard Hats with Heart campaign.
Hard Hats with Heart is a construction industry-specific initiative from the American Heart Association to improve the cardiovascular health of Richmond’s construction workers. The campaign’s focus is to integrate health, well-being and prevention solutions into the industry’s culture by inspiring companies to implement initiatives to help employees improve health such as providing healthy food options, promoting physical activity during breaks, implementing stress-reducing programs, educating employees about the signs of heart disease and teaching employees CPR.
“Safety is the number one priority for everyone in our industry, but it’s more than onsite physical health,” said Smith. “Our local team in Richmond lost a team member just two years ago to a heart attack, and while it was devasting, this led me to personally be more passionate about heart health and habits that can lead to longer lives. I’m looking forward to serving in this role this year and helping to encourage our peers and partners to move beyond routine safety checklists to ensure our people are truly cared for.”
Workers in the construction industry are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. In fact, 343,000 construction workers (1 in 25) have already been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease[1].
“Prioritizing cardiovascular health in the workplace can lead to a safer, healthier and more productive workforce,” said Chandra Hurst, American Heart Association Central Virginia Board Chair. “We look forward to working with Mike to support a healthier industry in Central Virginia.”
For more information about Hard Hats with Heart, visit heart.org/RichmondHardHats or contact Whitney Jones at whitney.jones@heart.org.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 – our Centennial year – we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
Audry Dubon: 804-380-6877; audry.dubon@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
[1] https://wwwn.cdc.gov/Niosh-whc/chart/brfss-chronic?OU=CVD&T=O&V=R2